Abstract
Copper slags are industrial wastes generated in the production of metallic copper by pyrometallurgical processes. Per unit mass of copper produced, 2.2 parts of slag are generated which are usually landfilled. Finding new uses for these wastes could contribute to reduce the environmental impact. In this work the characterization and reactivity of an Spanish granulated copper slag is assessed. Different techniques were used for assessing reactivity, in order to valorize this waste as a mineral admixture in Portland cement blends. Chemical composition (XRF), mineralogical identification (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and particle size distribution by laser diffraction (LDA) of slag particles are presented. Moreover slag reactivity was assessed by evaluating the mechanical behavior of cement mortars with replacement of 25% of Portland cement by copper slag at curing ages of 3, 7, 28 and 90 days. The strength activity index satisfactorily complied with the requirements of the European standard EN 450-1. Slag properties (composition and reactivity) suggest that these cement mortars represent an economic alternative for building products and environmentally friendly.
